As the University of Baguio continues its pursuit of academic and organizational excellence, the institution has been honored with the prestigious Committed Partners Award by the Department of Education Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR) during the 2025 Education Week celebration held on December 5, 2025.
Held at DepEd-CAR’s headquarters in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet, the prestigious award recognizes UB’s exceptional dedication and active participation in advancing educational initiatives that foster community engagement and contribute to the development of the Cordillera region.
A Celebration of Synergy in the Education Community
This year’s Education Week theme, “The CARing Community: Celebrating Synergy in Education,” highlighted the value of cooperation, teamwork, and community-driven advancement in the field of education. The event demonstrated how good collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, and community groups can greatly help to achieve quality education. UB’s remarkable efforts were honored at this event, reaffirming its position as a leader in the region’s educational scene.
Alt Text: Highlights from the recently concluded DepEd 2025 Education Week awarding and celebration
UB’s Key Contributions: The Adapt-A-School and Salaknib Tan Namnama Programs
The award primarily acknowledges UB’s role in the successful implementation of the Adapt-A-School (ASP) and Salaknib Tan Namnama (STN) programs, which have made a substantial impact on the local communities, particularly the youth of the Cordillera region.
The Adapt-A-School program, launched by UB in collaboration with DepEd-CAR, focuses on the sustainable development of public schools by providing necessary resources and support to improve the learning environment for students. This initiative has enabled UB to contribute to the physical and educational enhancement of schools, addressing challenges faced by educational institutions, especially in remote areas. Through ASP, UB has helped equip schools with educational tools and facilities that better serve the needs of the students, enabling them to access a higher standard of education.
Similar to this, the Salaknib Tan Namnama (STN) program aims to empower young people in the Cordillera region by giving underprivileged pupils educational materials, mentorship, and scholarships. STN is committed to ensuring that these students not only complete their education but also receive the tools and opportunities they need to flourish in life. The program demonstrates UB’s commitment to encouraging diversity and ensuring that high-quality education is available to all, regardless of financial status.
Both of these initiatives reflect UB’s continuous commitment to its social responsibility and its role in shaping the future of the region by investing in its most valuable resource: the youth.
Alt Text: Highlights from the recently concluded DepEd 2025 Education Week awarding and celebration
During the award ceremony, the Committed Partners Award was presented to Dr. Julius Gat-eb, Principal of the University of Baguio Laboratory Elementary School (UBLES), and Dr. Violeta Apiles, Principal of the University of Baguio High School (UBHS). Their acceptance of the award symbolized UB’s long-standing efforts in building strong relationships with government agencies, educational institutions, and local communities.
Dr. Gat-eb and Dr. Apiles expressed their gratitude and emphasized the university’s unwavering dedication to fostering partnerships that bring about tangible positive changes in the lives of students and the community. Their leadership has been instrumental in UB’s involvement in numerous community engagement programs that support the region’s development goals.
UB’s Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
UB’s contributions through the ASP and STN programs are in direct alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goal 4 (Quality Education), goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals). By actively promoting quality education and creating lasting partnerships for the betterment of local communities, UB has made significant strides toward achieving these global objectives.
The university’s work in these areas goes beyond merely providing educational resources, as it fosters an environment where students, educators, and local communities collaborate to drive social change. The recognition by DepEd-CAR is a reflection of UB’s tireless efforts to not only educate but also uplift communities and ensure that they thrive in a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking manner.
Alt Text: Highlights from the recently concluded DepEd 2025 Education Week awarding and celebration
A Commitment to Education and Community Engagement
This prestigious award is a testament to UB’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality education while promoting social responsibility and community engagement. It highlights the university’s deep-seated values of excellence, leadership, and service to the people of the Cordillera region.
With this recognition, UB further solidifies its position as a trailblazer in education in the region. The university’s unwavering focus on educational innovation, community development, and sustainable growth is an example for other institutions to follow, especially in addressing the complex educational challenges faced by underserved regions. As UB continues to strengthen its partnerships and enhance its community service initiatives, the Committed Partners Award stands as a proud reminder of the university’s integral role in shaping the future of education in the Cordillera region and beyond. This recognition reinforces UB’s mission to empower the youth, build stronger communities, and continue to flourish in the field of academic excellence, organizational development, and advancements.
